Getting to Potsdam from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) on public transportation is fastest and cheapest by train, but BER2 direct express bus is also an option. One-way train tickets are €5.
Hourly direct RB22 trains from Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt Airport (BER) offer the simplest and most practical way to travel to Potsdam near Berlin. Because RB22 trains run only hourly, traveling via Berlin on the more frequent FEX trains is often the better choice if a direct train has just departed. Traveling via Berlin (change at Hauptbahnhof or Südkreuz) is possible four times per hour and takes only slightly longer. A direct airport shuttle express bus, BER2, from Potsdam to the airport is convenient when traveling with luggage, but more expensive.
Trains from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Potsdam require a Berlin public transportation ABC ticket. The Berlin Welcome Card ABC version includes transportation and discounts on attractions in Potsdam and Berlin.
Berlin public transportation ticket prices in 2026: €4 for AB and €5 for ABC tickets.
Public Transportation Map Potsdam to Berlin Airport
Potsdam ↔ Berlin Airport Transportation: Quick Guide
Potsdam ↔ Berlin ↔ Berlin Airport public transportation options cost the same — a standard ABC ticket. Select whatever train departs first for your destination:
- RB22: direct & fastest to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, hourly
- Airport Express Trains (FEX): transfers required in Berlin, trains every 15 minutes.
- BER 2 Bus alternative: BER Airport Shuttle Express Bus, direct bus, surcharge
Start your transfer from Berlin Airport to Potsdam City only by RB22, FEX, or bus BER2, unless you have a very good reason not to. Any other train may add unnecessary complications.
→ Plan journeys at BVG — avoid multi-transfer suggestions whenever possible!
A private transfer directly to your destination is comfortable, especially late at night and when traveling with luggage, but it will never be cheaper than the train.
The Berlin Welcome Card is a good tourist option that includes transportation and discounts to major sights.
Berlin public transportation ticket prices in 2026: €4 for AB and €5 for ABC tickets.
How to Get to Berlin Airport Station and Buses from Arrivals
Berlin Airport Station (Flughafen BER) is in the basement of Terminal 1 (level U2). From arrivals, follow directions to the station (Bahnhof, Züge, or train pictograms). It is a short, mostly covered walk from Terminal 2.
Buy an ABC ticket from the vending machines before going to the platforms. (Paper tickets may require validation.)
Take the Regionalbahn RB22 or the Airport Express (FEX).
Airport Shuttle Bus BER2 departs from outside Berlin Airport Terminal 1 on the arrivals level (E0) from stop A2. From arrivals, exit the terminal by following directions to the bus stops or taxis.
Transportation Options from Berlin Airport to Potsdam Compared
The three best transportation options from Berlin Airport to Potsdam City:
| Option | Frequency | Transfers | Typical Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RB22 | Hourly | None | ~50 min | Simplest trip |
| FEX via Berlin | Every 15 min | 1–2 | ~55–70 min | Minimal waiting |
| BER2 Bus | ~15/day | None | ~60 min | Luggage / avoiding stations but surcharge! |
By Direct Train RB22 from Berlin Airport to Potsdam
The direct RB22 train from Flughafen BER to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof is the easiest and fastest public transportation from Berlin Airport. Travelers to Potsdam no longer have to transit via central Berlin, although that remains an option four times per hour.
Regionalbahn (RB22) trains connect Potsdam Hauptbahnhof and Berlin Brandenburg Airport hourly in around 50 minutes. The RB22 trains operate from around 04:00 am to around midnight. Traveling outside these hours requires transfers via Berlin.
Which RB22 Train Connects Potsdam and Berlin Airport?
Note that the RB22 trains may not display Potsdam or Berlin Airport in the train names:
- RB22 trains from Berlin Airport to Potsdam have S Griebnitzsee or Potsdam Hbf as the final destination.
- RB22 trains to Berlin Airport from Potsdam have Königs Wusterhausen as the final destination.
The RB22 trains stop several times at Potsdam stations, including at Golm, Park Sanssouci, Charlottenhof, and Potsdam Hauptbahnhof (Hbf or central main station).
Fun fact: RB22 trains change the direction of travel at Golm station; you haven’t missed your stop (yet).
The train station in the basement of Berlin Brandenburg Airport is officially station “Flughafen BER” — Terminal 1 — 2 were dropped from the name, as Terminal 5 is permanently closed. (RB22 trains do not stop at Schönefeld (previously BER – Terminal 5.)
Avoid timetable recommendations suggesting changing from RB22 to a tram (STR) at Potsdam Pirschheide. It adds a complication (and connection risk) not worth the promised five-minute savings.
Travel By FEX from Berlin Airport to Potsdam via Berlin
The direct RB22 train is the most convenient way to travel from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Potsdam, but as it runs only once per hour, the more frequent alternatives via Berlin are also worth considering. Traveling from the airport to Potsdam via Berlin requires an ABC ticket and usually at least one transfer.
Traveling from the airport via Berlin to Potsdam takes only around 5~20 minutes longer than the direct train, but always requires transfers. (The previous direct S-Bahn was permanently discontinued.)
By Train from Berlin Airport to Potsdam via Berlin:
From Berlin Airport, use the Airport Express train (FEX). Pick from two transfer options in Berlin:
- Simplest — single transfer: At Berlin Hauptbahnhof (23 minutes), change to an S7 or RE1 train for Potsdam Hbf.
- Fastest — TWO transfers: At Berlin Südkreuz (12 minutes), change to S41 or S46 (12 minutes), and change at Westkreuz to an S7 for Potsdam Hbf. The double change saves around 10 minutes but is a hassle with luggage.
Other options are available, but avoid them. None is worth the extra risk and hassle, while the RB22 and FEX trains offer sensible transportation five times per hour.
[Obvious, if you think about it, but not everyone speaks German. Hauptbahnhof (abbreviated to Hbf) means “main train station” — every city may have one. Therefore, Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Potsdam Hauptbahnhof are not the same station.]
Airport Shuttle Express Bus BER2 to Potsdam from Berlin Airport
A direct airport shuttle express bus, BER2, is an alternative to the trains when traveling from Berlin Airport to Potsdam. It is convenient for travelers with luggage and wanting to avoid stations and transfers. Although the travel time is about the same as the trains, the bus is much more expensive.
The BER2 bus connects Berlin Airport (Terminal 1-2) with Potsdam Hauptbahnhof up to 15 times per day. En route, it stops among others at Stahnsdorf and Teltow. Travel time is around an hour.
BER2 bus requires a regular ABC bus fare plus a “comfort surcharge” of €6 for a total of €11 in 2026. The surcharge is also payable if using a pass or other travel tickets. BER2 bus tickets are only sold on the bus in cash or by card — no reservations are possible.
Transportation from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) in 2026
All public transportation options from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to downtown Berlin require an ABC ticket — €5 in 2026. Many further deals and passes offer savings.
- The Airport Express (FEX) trains or S-Bahn S9 trains are the best option for most travelers.
- The U-Bahn train plus bus X7 is worth considering for destinations not close to an S-Bahn station.
- Use direct trains or buses to Potsdam (City) from Berlin Airport.
- 🚖 Check private transfer prices — direct and convenient when traveling late night or with luggage.
Note: Berlin Airport train routes and schedules changed drastically from mid-December 2025 — some guide still have outdated information.
[BER Terminal 5 (previously Schönefeld SXF) closed permanently — all airport transportation stop only at Terminal 1; short walk to Terminal 2.]
FAQ: Potsdam ↔ Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
What is the easiest way to travel from Potsdam to Berlin Brandenburg Airport?
The easiest way to travel between Potsdam and Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is by direct RB22 regional train. The journey takes around 50 minutes and requires no transfers.
How much does the train from Potsdam to BER Airport cost?
Travel between Potsdam and Berlin Brandenburg Airport requires a Berlin ABC ticket. In 2026, a standard one-way ABC fare costs €5.
Is there a direct train from Potsdam to Berlin Airport?
Yes. RB22 regional trains connect Potsdam Hauptbahnhof directly with Berlin Brandenburg Airport approximately once per hour.
Can I travel from Potsdam to BER Airport via central Berlin?
Yes. Travelers may use the frequent FEX Airport Express trains via Berlin Hauptbahnhof or Südkreuz. This option usually requires one or two transfers but offers departures around every 15 minutes.
Is there a direct bus from Potsdam to Berlin Brandenburg Airport?
Yes. BER2 Airport Shuttle Express buses connect Potsdam Hauptbahnhof directly with Berlin Brandenburg Airport. The journey takes about one hour but includes a surcharge in addition to the standard ABC fare.